The primary purpose of the first-ever, two-week pilgrimage is to embark on a spiritual and missionary journey that will reconnect Abyssinian with the people and country for which it is named and strengthen ecclesiastical ties with the nation that is its sacred land. This momentous journey is a core component of a series of major events and activities commemorating the church's 200th anniversary in November 2008.
In 1808, after refusing to participate in segregated worship services at a lower Manhattan church, a group of free Africans in America and Ethiopian sea merchants formed their own church, naming it Abyssinian Baptist Church in honor of Abyssinia, the former name of Ethiopia. In 1954, former Ethiopian Emperor, Haile Selassie I, presented Abyssinian's pastor, Rev. Adam Clayton Powell, Jr., with the Ethiopian Coptic Cross. This cross has since become the official symbol of the church.
"As we celebrate 200 years of Abyssinian Baptist Church as an empowering center of spiritual and community transformation, we are eager to embark upon this befitting journey to our native land of Ethiopia, especially during this time of the Ethiopian Millennium," said Rev. Dr. Calvin O. Butts, III, pastor of Abyssinian. "The African-American church has long been a galvanizing force in the active building of beloved communities in the United States. We seek to further advance that cause as part of our global mission - gaining first- hand knowledge during our pilgrimage that will aid in our consideration of a viable, long-term course of action supporting the people and progress of Ethiopia."
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